MXPA05002531A - Ceiling system with technology. - Google Patents

Abstract

A ceiling system (100) is disclosed, and illustrated in various embodiments as may be utilized within an architectural interior (102). The ceiling system (100) includes shielding elements (116) supported through the use of parallel and spaced apart rails (118). The rails are suspended through the use of suspension cables (121) to overhead building supports. The shielding elements (116) include coverings (121) of varying translucence for a series of LED lighting modules (122) or other lighting elements. The varying degrees of translucency of the shielding elements (116) provides for adjustment of intensity and diffusion of lighting projecting from the LED lighting modules (122) or other lighting elements.

Description

ROOF SYSTEM WITH TECHNOLOGY CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS.

This International application is based on and claims the priority of the United States of America Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 408,183 filed on September 4, 2002.

DECLARATION WITH RESPECT TO RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT SPONSORED AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX OF MICROFACE.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

Field of Invention The invention relates to superior systems for architectural interiors and, more particularly, to a system of supported protections that allow to use an LED or other lighting elements with selectable materials surrounding the lighting elements in various configurations, in order to provide the desired degrees of translucency, luminous intensity, texture and diffusion.

Previous Technique The architectural infrastructure continues to evolve in today's residential, commercial, industrial and office environments. For purposes of description in this specification, the term "architectural interiors" will be used to collectively designate those environments. Historically, and beginning particularly with the industrial revolution, interiors often consist of large rooms with fixed walls, ceilings and doors. Architectural interiors would often include large and heavy desks, work tables, machinery, assembly lines or the like, depending on the particular environment. The lighting, heating and cooling functions (if any) are often controlled centrally. With the exception of the executive offices, privacy for face-to-face or telephone conversations, meetings or other commercial indoor activities was difficult to achieve. Of course, until the previous decades, and with the exception of telephones and typewriters, there was no need to configure the interiors to facilitate the use of other office equipment, such as computers, copying and fax machines. In general, the occupants of said architectural interiors did not have significant control over their environments. Also, given the use of stationary walls, permanent ceilings and heavy office and industrial equipment, any reconfiguration of the architectural interior was an expensive and time-consuming task. During the mid-twentieth century, architectural interiors began to somehow acquire a more "sophisticated" infrastructure design, particularly with respect to office environments. In part, this was caused by the automation of the offices with the advent of electronic copying machines, teleprinters, electronic typewriters and the like. The office "distribution" needed to take into account greater electrical power needs and configurations to supply power to suitable locations. Likewise, "shared" equipment, such as copiers and teletype machines, required the consideration of centralized locations (and "common space") and high-voltage power supplies. During this time, environmental concerns in architectural interiors such as adequate air ventilation were also considered. Although the owners and occupants of buildings began to be interested in the above, the architectural interiors involved a very heavy and relatively "stationary" furniture and fixed ceilings (ceilings that are "fixed" in size, position, structure, conformation and color). Lighting, heating and the first forms of air conditioning also continued to be controlled through central and often remote locations. An additional advance in architectural interiors began in the 1960s. Several furniture manufacturers started working on systems that had elements that would provide at least a minimum level of individual privacy, and defined an individual "workspace". Some of those elements were designed to provide electrical power (interconnected to the energy supplies of buildings) located in the occupant's workspace. Hanging and support bracket structures were developed to provide means for connecting furniture fittings (such as shelves, cabinets or work surfaces) to stationary walls or to the space separators themselves. As those systems evolved, they included provisions for use with specific utilitarian elements such as computer rooms, keyboard drawers and the like. In general, those types of systems as they evolved during the past decades may be characterized in some way by providing a "part team," comprising repeated parts for the occupants or users. Although these systems allow the "partial" rearrangement of architectural interiors, they did not find adjustment within a true definition of a "modular" system. Instead, these systems are inherently "closed systems" and are limited to finite sets of interchangeable physical parts. In addition, those systems typically do not solve the issues associated with roof structures, such as interchangeability, lighting, acoustic properties and the like. With regard to roof structures, architectures and designers are beginning to look at various types of new designs for purposes of improving acoustic properties, lighting efficiency and aesthetics. Numerous types of roof structures are known in the prior art which are particularly aimed at acoustic properties. A well-known roof structure is the Armstrong drop roof, which utilizes opaque roof protective elements supported in a modular fashion within a T-bar structure. These roofs are manufactured by Armstrong World Industries, Inc. These structures have to accommodate floodlights. roof (if desired), HVAC ducts, fire sprinklers and similar safety and environmental systems. Relatively recently, architects and designers have introduced "open" architectural ceilings that expose the structure, even in commercial and office environments. With said exposed roof architecture, it provides "downstream" elements for HVAC duct work, fire sprinklers, power supplies and the like which is not a major problem. However, open roof architecture can present problems with regard to acoustic properties and, for some, may not be aesthetically pleasing. In addition to the above matters, many known roof structures are substantially difficult to reconfigure, once they have been assembled and placed in their place. Consequently, with this difficulty of reconfiguration, the corresponding difficulties arise in the event that modifications are required in lighting, HVAC duct work or sprinkler locations. In addition, the reconfiguration of the best-known roof structures can involve substantial costs. Similarly, as with other elements of known architectural interiors, reconfiguration may require substantial time and involve personnel with technical expertise. The lighting associated with such structures also have the same problems with respect to the potential need for change. Similarly, when roof systems are first designed by designers, architects, and engineers, it may be several years before construction is actually commissioned, and occupants occupy the building. At the same time, the needs of the occupants can be relatively diverse from the designer's original lighting scheme. In addition, lighting needs may vary for different functions. Nevertheless, most of the known ceiling lighting structures are relatively constant with respect to their luminous intensity, and diffusion that may be associated with lighting. It would be advantageous to have means to vary the intensity of light, color, texture and diffusion associated with illumination. Other concerns also arise with regard to roof structures. For example, security concerns are of paramount importance. Fire protection and other building codes may require materials from which roof structures are constructed and treated with flame retardants or fire resistant materials. In addition, the same roof structure materials can be constructed of fireproof or fire resistant elements. There are other disadvantages with respect to the current roofing systems. For example, most known systems do not have the capability of any quick reconfiguration in "appearance". It would be advantageous, for example, to modify ceiling appearances for "personal" designs, the identity of a particular meeting group or the like. Such changes in appearance could include the rearrangement of lighting, changes in color intensity, texture, translucency and diffusion, and images that can be projected onto or transmitted from ceiling systems. In addition, the known roof systems do not by themselves lead to the exchange capacity of the components of the roof system.

In addition, the known roof systems do not have the ability to modify color, configuration and the like based on external environmental characteristics, such as the time of day, particular station and other changes. In this regard, for example, health experts have found that enlightenment has effects such as physical and mental health of individuals.

In addition, many other architectural interiors in existence today, result in "excessive performance." That is, roofs have weight, volume and other size parameters that are clearly unnecessary for their desired functionality. Its cost is significant. This cost is presented not only from the initial acquisition prices, but also, as a result of its lack of true flexibility, from the costs associated with moving or reconfiguring the roof systems. Also, in part, additional costs result from the fact that the reconfiguration of said roof systems is often waste of component parts. In this same aspect, many component parts of the known systems are not reusable when they are disassembled. In addition, the roof systems known for many reasons, (including those previously described herein), do not lead by themselves to any kind of "quick" reconfiguration. In fact, they may require a significant amount of work for reconfiguration. This work often requires the use of trained specialists. Likewise, the reconfiguration of known roof systems may involve additional physical wiring or substantial rewiring for lighting. Different trained specialists may be required when the reconfiguration in any form involves said electrical or data / communication components. In addition, although such roof systems may involve controllable lighting by a user of the workspace, many environmental functions remain centrally controlled, often at locations substantially remote from the architectural interior that is controlled. However, difficulties can arise in known roof systems when environmental feature control is provided within a general space of an occupant. For example, the lighting associated with the roof of an occupant can be controlled by means of a switch that is relatively close in initial proximity and easily accessible. However, if the lighting is moved to different roof areas, the switch that controls the lighting may no longer be located in a functionally "correct" position. In this regard, the known systems are not capable of providing any relatively quick reconfiguration of control / controlled relationships between functional elements, such as switches, overhead lights and the like. Likewise, to the extent that those relationships are reconfigured, substantial recabling by personnel who have significant technical expertise will be required.

Another significant disadvantage with known roof systems refers to their lack of development in light of advances in technology. However, many of the technological advances have modified current business, educational and personal work practices. Two examples of relatively recent technological advances consist of the semi-conductor revolution and the corresponding miniaturization of numerous electrical and data / communication components. At present, the work practices of many individuals may involve the need to change the appearance of the space through LED lighting and digital imagination. However, most current roof systems do not provide such features. In addition, known systems do not provide any other features that will facilitate efficiency in current work practices, such as digital lighting programming.

The above is just a brief description of some of the disadvantages associated with the current development in architectural interiors and roof systems. In part, there are disadvantages due to current business practices. The following paragraphs briefly describe other aspects of current activities in the areas of architecture and design, and because the previous disadvantages of known roof systems are becoming more important.

In the past, the problems associated with the difficulty in reconfiguring architectural interiors, and the lack of on-site control of environmental location conditions, may not have been of primary interest. However, the current business climate often involves architectural interior needs of "relatively rapid change". Roof systems can be structurally designed by designers, architects and engineers, and initially placed in a desired format with respect to support, lighting fixtures and other functional accessories. However, when those structures, which may be characterized in some way as "permanent" in most buildings (as described in the previous paragraphs of this), are designed, the current components may not move within the building for several years. Designers need to "anticipate" the needs of the future occupants of the building that is designed. Needless to say, in situations where the building will not be commissioned for several years after the design phase, the building's roof systems may not be properly located for the current occupants. That is, the needs of the potential occupants can be substantially different from the ideas and concepts anticipated by the designers. However, as described above, most architectural interiors allow little reconfiguration after the initial design has been completed. The reconfiguration of roof systems according to the needs of a particular occupant can be extremely costly and time consuming. During structural modifications, the architectural interior is essentially "knocked down" and does not provide a positive cash flow for the owners of the buildings. It would be advantageous to always have the activities and needs of the occupants "driving" the structure and functioning of the previous architectural distribution. However, to date, many relatively "stationary" interiors (in function and structure) operate essentially the other way around. That is, it is not common for potential occupants to evaluate the architectural interiors of the building and determine how to "adjust" their needs (requirements of working spaces, conference rooms, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC"). and similar) within the existing architectural interiors. In addition, and again in the current business climate, a potential occupant may have an opportunity to be involved in the design of an architectural interior of the building, so that the interior is advantageously "installed" for the occupant. However, many commercial organizations are experiencing relatively rapid changes in growth, both positively and negatively. When such changes occur, it can again be difficult to modify the architectural interior appropriately to allow the occupant to expand beyond their original architectural Interior or, alternatively, be reduced in space so that the unused space can be occupied by another occupant. The above paragraphs describe the reconfiguration of the roof system as a result of the delay time between the original design and the time when users actually occupy the space, as well as situations where reconfiguration is required as a result of the growth of the business organization or other "external" conditions that require reconfiguration. In addition, it would be advantageous also to reconfigure the roof systems substantially on a "real time" basis, where the needs of the occupants change almost instantaneously. That is, the time required for reconfiguration does not need to be of substantial length or otherwise involve changes in a business climate for a particular occupant. As an example, it may be advantageous if the occupant of a particular architectural interior has a specific roof system distribution during the morning and afternoon hours, while having a revised layout during the midday hours. This could happen, for example, in an educational learning center where the use of the students' architectural interior can change, for example, from the mainly "individual" use in the morning and evening hours to gather the activities of projects and meetings that require collaborative use during the midday hours. For such use, it can be particularly advantageous to have the ability to quickly modify the colors of the roof color system, the lighting characteristics and the like. There are also other problems with respect to the distribution and organization of current architectural interiors. For example, as described hereinabove, accessories such as switches and lights can be relatively "fixed" with respect to particular control locations and relationships between switches and lights. That is, one or more particular switches can control one or more particular lights. To modify these control relationships in most architectural interiors, significant efforts are required. In this regard, a roof system can be characterized as being "delivered" to the original occupants in a particular "initial state". This initial state is defined not only by the physical locations of the functional accessories, but also the control relationships between the switches, lights and the like. It would be advantageous to provide means for essentially "changing" the relations in a relatively fast manner, without requiring physical rewiring or similar activities. In addition, it would also be advantageous to have the ability to modify physical locations of various functional accessories, without requiring additional electrical wiring, substantial assembly or disassembly of the component parts or the like. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the users of a particular area could make control relationships between functional accessories and other utilitarian elements in the location of the roof system itself. With respect to the aforementioned issues, a number of systems have been developed that address one or more of those issues. For example, Jones et al; U.S. Patent No. 3,996,458 issued December 7, 1976 is primarily directed to an illuminated roof structure and associated components, with components that are adapted for various structure and appearance requirements. Jones et al; describes the concept that the use of T-bar gratings to support pluralities of preformed integral protection elements is well known. Jones et al; further discloses the use of T-bar slides having a vertical orientation, with transverse T-bar members. The slides and transverse members are supported by hanging supports, in a manner that provide a space or open plenum thereon in which Lighting accessories can be provided. A horizontal acrylic sheet is opaque and light transmission areas are provided inside cells, adding a cube-like configuration. The edges of the acrylic sheet are transported by the horizontal portions of the T-bar slides and the transverse slides. Balinski, U.S. Patent No. 4,034,531, issued July 12, 1977 is directed to a suspended ceiling system having a particular support arrangement. The support arrangement is described to overcome a deficiency in the prior art systems, whereby exposure to heat causes the slides T to expand and deform, while the ceiling tiles therefore fall from the slides T as a result of deformation. The Balinski roof system uses support cables attached to its support structure. The support cables hold inverted T slides, which can use elongated upper portions to stiffen the slides. An exposed flange provides a decorative surface under the slides T. A particular flange described by Balinski includes a slot extending longitudinally over the underlying portion, to create a shadow effect. The ceiling tiles are supported on the inverted slides T and may include a cup-shaped portion, in order to allow the lower surface to be level with the lower surface of the exposed tab. The inverted T slides are connected to one another through the use of tabs. The flanges provide one end of an inverted T-slide for coupling a slot in a second T-slide. The inverted T-slides are connected to the decorative flanges through the use of slots within the upper portions of the decorative flanges, with the slots that they have a generally triangular cross section and with inverted T-slides having their lower transverse members comprising opposite ends formed on the exposed flange. In this regard, the inverted T slides couple the upper parts of the exposed tabs into a support configuration. Balinski also shows each decorative exposed flange which is hollow and which comprises a U-shaped member, with opposite ends flexing outwards and upwards, and then inwards and outwards from the end end portions. In this respect, the coupling is provided by the ends of the transverse slide members T inverted. An additional feature of the Balinski arrangement is that when the system is subjected to extreme heat, and the decorative edge falls away due to heat, the inverted T configuration separates and helps hold the ceiling tiles in place. In general, Balinski describes inverted T slides that support roof structures. Balinski et al; U.S. Patent No. 4,063,391, published December 20, 1977, shows the use of support slides for suspended grid systems. Each support slide includes a spline member. An inverted T slide is coupled to the spline, so that when the roof system is exposed to heat, the inverted T slide continues to hold the roof protective elements, although the spline loses structural integrity and can be uncoupled from the edge.

Csenky, US Pat. No. 4,074,092, published February 14, 1978 discloses an energy tracking system for transporting light fixtures and a light source. The system includes a U-shaped support rail, with U-shaped edges that flex inwards. An insulating inner liner fits inside the rail and includes at least one current conductor. A grounding member is connected to the ends of the rail edges and a second current conductor is mounted to an externally inaccessible portion of the inner facing facing into the rail. Botty, United States Patent No. 4,533,190, published August 6, 1985, discloses an electric power track system having an elongated track with a series of longitudinal grooves that open outwardly. The slots provide access to a series of out-of-phase electrical conductors or busbars. The slots are formed in a way that avoids direct access to the conductors transported by the track. Greenberg, Patent of the United States of America No. 4,475,226, published on October 2, 1984, describes a system of sound and light path, with each of the sound and light accessories that are mounted independently for movement on the track. A busbar assembly includes busbar conductors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a roof system is provided, for use with a supporting infrastructure. The support infrastructure provides distribution of electrical power and communication network, and comprises a plurality of structures and transverse structures. More specifically, the roof system includes a plurality of protective elements supported within the transverse structures and structures. A series of lighting elements are electrically coupled and powered through the distribution of electrical energy. The lighting elements are adjacent to or otherwise incorporated within the protective elements. The protective elements are movably mounted to the supporting infrastructure, and are constructed of materials that can be of varying degrees of translucency. In this way, the intensity, color and diffusion of illumination projected from the lighting elements can be adjusted. The roof system and the supporting infrastructure may be suspended from a similar building roof or upper structure through the use of cable elements. The cable elements can be adjusted to adjust the height of the support infrastructure and, therefore, the roof system mounted. In addition, means for adjusting the position of the roof system relative to the supporting infrastructure can be provided. The roof system materials are constructed and configured to allow commercial indoor general services to extend downwardly below a plane formed substantially by the series of protection elements. In addition, the series of lighting elements and the plurality of protection elements are manually removable from the supporting infrastructure. More specifically, the series of lighting elements may comprise a series of LED module lighting strips. In addition, the lighting elements may include other types of lighting, such as fluorescent, metal halide or similar lighting elements. The supporting infrastructure comprises parallel and spaced rails, and the protection elements are supported on sides of adjacent rails in pairs of opposite L-shaped clamps. The protection elements are releasably secured to the L-shaped clamps by securing means. In addition, to the extent that the panels comprise filler panels, can comprise acoustic ceiling protection elements that have materials to provide sound absorption. The protection elements may comprise cellular structures filled with air. In addition, the protection elements may comprise 3D-Pongi fabric. In another embodiment according to the invention, the protection elements may comprise rigid fins. In addition, the protection elements may comprise fins of heliophon fabric. The protection elements can be supported on opposite side portions through the use of a structure of the supporting infrastructure. The structure can be constructed from a variety of materials including extruded aluminum. In addition, the protection elements can be supported from the upper building supports through the use of suspension cables interconnected directly to the protection elements. These suspension cables can be adjustable in length. According to another aspect of the invention, the transverse structures can be interconnected to the other components of the roof system through the use of clamps. A plurality of members may be placed in a separate and parallel configuration along the protection elements. The lighting elements may comprise LED lighting modules mounted on lower sides of the members. The protection elements may comprise a series of light cavities having varying degrees of translucency. The light cavities can provide modifications to the luminous intensity and varying degrees of translucency and diffusion with respect to the LED lighting modules or other lighting elements. In addition, each of the members may be of elongated length and extend laterally through at least one of the protection elements. Each of the LED lighting modules can be of linear configuration, and be mounted to a lower side of a corresponding one of the members. In addition, each of the lighting modules may include a series of LEDs spaced along a length of a corresponding one of the lighting modules. In addition, a plurality of LED lighting modules can be coupled to at least one of the members. According to a further aspect of the invention, the lighting elements may comprise linear LED lighting modules of flexible construction. Low-voltage DC power can be applied from the electrical distribution of the supporting infrastructure. In addition, the roof system may comprise interconnected power transformers for the distribution of electrical energy and for the lighting elements in order to supply low-voltage DC power to the lighting elements. In addition, the roof system may comprise at least one busbar for supplying DC power to the lighting elements under voltage. According to a further aspect of the invention, the protection elements may comprise light diffusing fabric fins, in association with light cavities. The lighting elements may include a series of LED members, with each member having a linear LED lighting module secured to the underside thereof. Each of the linear LED lighting modules may comprise a series of separate LED lights. A series of light cavities are suspended from the members. The light cavities may comprise light scattering heliophone fabric. In addition, the protection elements may comprise light diffusing cloth fins. The light diffusing fabric fins may be in the form of individual light sheets. In addition, the light sheets may comprise light diffusing heliophone fabric. According to another aspect of the invention, the protection elements may comprise fins having a "deep triangle" configuration. furtherThe rigid fins may be "constructed of translucent Lexan® material" The term "Lexan®" is a registered trademark of the General Electric Company The protection elements may also comprise a pair of relatively long rigid fins forming a rectangular configuration. of relatively short length can be placed intermediate the two rigid fins, the relatively large rigid fins and the rigid fins of relatively shorter lengths can separate a series of LED illumination modules from one another. Rigid fins of relatively shorter length can be constructed of translucent Lexan® material According to a further aspect of the invention, the protection elements can comprise a series of rigid fins forming a rectangular configuration around some of the modules of the invention. linear LED lighting. Linear LED lighting modules can be rotated on their sides, so that the individual LED strips have different directional configurations. The rigid fins can be constructed of a translucent Lexan® material. According to another aspect of the invention, the protection elements may comprise a series of parallel and separate linear air tubes. The lighting elements may comprise separate linear LED lighting modules intermediate to the linear air tubes. In addition, the linear air tubes can be constructed of a polyethylene material. According to another aspect of the invention, the lighting elements may comprise a series of round marker LED lighting modules. The round marker LED lighting modules can be placed adjacent to the linear air tubes. In addition, the protection elements may comprise a series of air bearings. The lighting elements may then comprise a series of round marker LED lighting modules positioned adjacent to the air bearings. The air bearings may be constructed of a polyethylene material. According to a further aspect of the invention, the protection elements may comprise a plurality of woven fabric materials. Woven fabric materials can be suspended from the supporting infrastructure in a manner that provides a "wave" pattern. The lighting elements may comprise a series of LED lighting modules placed on the woven fabric materials. In addition, the roof system may comprise means for circulating forced air around the fabric materials. The woven fabric materials can be coupled to the supporting infrastructure in a manner that allows the generation of "impulse" bends of the woven fabric materials in response to the forced air in circulation. The protection elements can be coupled to the support infrastructure through flexible or articulated means. In this way, the protection elements can be suspended in various angular orientations. According to a further aspect of the invention, the roof system may comprise a set of utilitarian elements used with the roofs. At least some of the utilitarian elements may be manually releasable from the protection elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWING.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective illustration of a roof system located over a particular spatial area having various functions; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a series of protection elements according to the invention, suspended from a rail system; Figure 3 is a perspective view of protective elements similar to Figure 2, but with the protection elements that are suspended from cables; Figure 4 is a sectional view of Figure 2, illustrating certain aspects of LED lighting and ceiling, with the concept that individual LEDs or a plurality of them can be used for possible color changes or the like; Figure 5 is a sectional view of Figure 2, showing cable suspensions and showing additional aspects of LED and ceiling lighting; Figure 6 is a perspective view of roof components according to the invention, and comprising what is characterized as an LED or member having a linear LED lighting module associated therewith; Figure 7 is a similar perspective view in scope of Figure 6, but shows the use of a pair of linear LED lighting modules with the LED member; Figure 8 is a similar perspective view in scope of Figures 6 and 7, but shows the use of the LED member with the three linear LED lighting modules; Figure 9 is a bottom view of the LED member of Figure 8; Figure 10 illustrates a generally elevation view of a linear LED lighting module, separate from the LED member; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view in side elevation similar in scope to Figure 4, but shows the use of an energy transformer; Figure 11A is a sectional end view of the LED lighting module and connector elements associated therewith, taken along the section lines 11A-11A of Figure 11; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention, showing the combination of current protectors and LED lighting modules; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 12; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the roof embodiment illustrated in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration illustrated in Figure 16; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration illustrated in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration illustrated in Figure 20; Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration illustrated in Figure 22; Figure 23A is an elongated portion of the cross-sectional view illustrated in Figure 23; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration illustrated in Figure 24, with marker lights shown; Figure 25A is an elongated portion of the cross-sectional view illustrated in Figure 24; Figure 26 is a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration illustrated in Figure 26; Figure 27A is an enlarged view of the cross section illustrated in Figure 27; Figure 28 is a perspective view of a ninth alternative embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention; Fig. 29 is a bottom view of the roof configuration illustrated in Fig. 28, and showing details of the fabric; Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the roof configuration of Figure 28, illustrating the support structure therefor; Figure 31 is a perspective view of an orientation of the protection elements that can be used according to the invention; Figure 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an orientation of the protection elements that can be used according to the invention; Figure 33 illustrates the use of one of the modes of the roof configuration, used in combination with an attenuator control switch; Figure 33A is an elevation view of an illustrative attenuator control switch; Figure 34 is a perspective view of a user exhibiting manual manipulation of a control rod for control purposes of the LED lighting modules of a roof configuration according to the invention; Figure 35 is a perspective view of a user exhibiting manual manipulation of the control rod, for purposes of controlling the functional relationships between an attenuator control switch and a roof configuration; Figure 36 is a perspective view of a control rod that can be used for the purposes illustrated in Figures 34 and 35; Figure 37 is an elevation view of the control rod illustrated in Figure 36; and Figure 38 is an end view of the rods illustrated in Figures 36 and 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

The principles of the invention are described, by way of example, within a visual protective system 100 initially shown in Figure 1 and illustrated in various embodiments in Figures 1-38. Figure 1 illustrates a general distribution of roof system 100 as it can be used on a work site 102.

The roof system 100 according to the invention provides an open system for physical change of a product family, including the relocation capacity. In addition, general control and digital programming are also provided for the roof system 100. This control is used to perform activities such as changing the appearance of the roof system for purposes such as personal design, identity of a particular group, personalization by color change, digital image formation and image projection. As described in subsequent paragraphs of this, the roof system may be linked to a digital programming network. Furthermore, the roof system according to the invention provides interchangeable protection elements and the exchange capacity of other parts, which essentially could be characterized as a "mass customization". Unique visual elements can be provided within the system. The system can also be manufactured in a relatively efficient manner, with the support being provided by structures for the protective elements. Due to the configuration of the roof systems according to the invention, relatively larger protection elements can be used. In this regard, the protection elements can be constructed of compressed pblyester fiber material. In the same respect, changes can be made to be presented based on external environmental characteristics, such as the color of the sky and the time of day. Changes in light can also be provided according to the roof system during different seasons and the like. It is well known that changes in lighting can be beneficial for the health and well-being of individuals working under certain lighting structures. In addition, the roof systems according to the invention take advantage of advances in semi-conductors and miniaturization of electronic components. That is, the roof systems according to the present invention provide a solid state technology equipment for architectural activities. These advances in technology have resulted in changes in the way we work, and it is advantageous for roof systems to take advantage of these new work habits. As illustrated in Figure 1, workplace 102 may include a series of conference tables 104 and chairs 106. However, ceiling system 100 may be used in any of several configured commercial interiors. As illustrated in Figure 1, the roof system 100 may include a series of protection elements 108 supported in any convenient manner through the use of structure 110 and transverse structures 112. The roof system 100 may be suspended from the ceiling. roof of a building or other similar upper structure (not shown) through the use of suspension cables 114 or comparable elements.

As described in the subsequent paragraphs of the present, ceiling system 100 and its different embodiments, may employ LED (and other) lighting elements, with selectable materials surrounding the lighting elements in order to provide various degrees of translucency. The material can be constructed and configured to accommodate additional general services (e.g. sprinklers and the like) beneath a roof plane. More specifically, the ceiling configurations described in accordance with the invention provide a roof plane, with lighting elements and materials that are movably mountable to the roof plane. Materials that have various degrees of translucency to adjust intensity and diffusion of light projected from the roof plane. In addition, and according to the invention, the ceiling system 100 and its different modalities may employ lighting elements other than LED elements. For example, when LED lighting elements are described in subsequent paragraphs of the present, lighting elements such as fluorescent lighting, metal halide illumination and various other types of illumination can be employed, without departing from the main concepts of the invention. . Further, as referred to herein, roof system materials 100 may be constructed to accommodate additional overhead services under a roof plane, with general services including sprinklers and the like. In addition, to accommodate the general services below the roof plane, the materials of which the roof system 100 is constructed may have sufficient openings or porosity to allow general services such as sprinklers and the like to be maintained on a formed roof plane. for those roof system materials 100. In this regard, many building codes provide that the sprinklers (1) be accommodated on the roof plane, if flat exhibits openings of total porosity of 70% or more. Permeating through the inventive concepts of the ceiling system 100 are the issues associated with what can be characterized as "anticipated design" or flexibility. That is, at the time a designer can complete a structural and functional design for a commercial interior (including not only wall structures, but also locations of roof protection elements, electrical accessories, data nodes, communications sockets and the like ), it may take several years before the particular occupants occupy the structure. Between the time of completion of the design and the time that the particular occupants wish to occupy the structure, the needs of the potential occupants may be substantially different from the designers' anticipatory ideas. However, most commercial interior structures allow little configuration of the architectural elements and structure, after the completion of an initial design. Reconfiguring a structure for the needs of a particular occupant can be extremely costly and time consuming. During structural modifications, the commercial interior is essentially "lowered" but does not provide positive cash flow for the owner of the structure. However, with the roof system 100 according to the invention, reconfiguration is facilitated, both with respect to cost and time. Essentially, the architectural interior can be reconfigured in "real time". In this regard, it is not only important that the different functional components can be relocated quickly from a "physical" sense, but also that the "functional relationships" between the components can be altered. As a relatively simple example, and as described in subsequent paragraphs of this with respect to Figures 34 and 35, functional or "control" relationships can be easily modified between various switch and lighting components. With respect to relationships, alteration may occur with respect to aesthetic appearance. As mentioned earlier, it can be beneficial (from a physical and mental health point of view) for an individual who has certain types of lighting available. These capabilities of changes in aesthetic appearance occur with respect to the ability to change protection planes and from the change of illumination. More specifically, and with reference to Figure 2, a perspective view is shown of a pair of protection elements 116 that are supported through the use of a rail system which may comprise a pair of parallel and spaced rails 118. An illustrative embodiment of a rail system having rails such as rails 118 can be employed with protection elements 116 and is described in United States of America Provisional Patent Serial Number 60 / 408,149, common session entitled "Rail System" and filed on September 4, 2002. Rails 118 may be suspended through the use of suspension cables or support rods 121 to the supports of upper buildings (not shown). As further illustrated in FIG. 2, protection elements 116 may include covers 120, examples of which are described in subsequent paragraphs herein. The covers 120 can provide different translucency for a series of LED lighting module strips 22 and other types of lighting elements. Said LED lighting module strips 122 will also be described in subsequent paragraphs of the present. The protection elements 116 are supported on the sides of each of the adjacent rails 118 on a pair of opposing L-shaped clamps 124. Preferably, the protection elements 116 can be releasably secured to the clamps in the form of L 124 through appropriate securing means such as connecting screws and the like. In addition to the protection elements 116 comprising protection elements having covers of translucent material 120 and LED lighting modules 122, the protection elements 116 may also comprise other elements. For example, other types of materials may be used as protection elements 116. For example, protection elements 116 may comprise cellular structures filled with air. In addition, the protection elements may comprise 3D-Pongi fabric. In addition, these protection elements 116 may comprise rigid fins or, alternatively, fins of heliophon cloth. In addition, the protection elements 116 can be supported on their sides through the use of a structure 126 which can, for example, consist of several materials, including extruded aluminum. Figure 3 is similar in scope to Figure 2, since it shines a pair of protection elements 116. However, instead of using the rails 118 and the support bars 121, the support elements 116 are supported from support supports. Superior building through the use of suspension cables 130 interconnected directly to the protection elements 116 instead of through the use of rails 118. Preferably, the suspension cables 130 are adjustable in length. With the ability to adjust the length of the suspension cables, the supporting infrastructure and / or the protection elements 116 themselves can be adjustable in distance from the upper building supports. In addition, the interconnection between the protection elements 116 and the rails 118 and the support rods 121 can be constructed so that the protection elements 116 are adjustable in the vertical distance relative to the rails 118 and the support rods 121.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the system shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates the support bar 121 and the rail 118. The rail 118 will not be described in great detail herein. In general, the rail 118 may include cable trays 132 that carry communication cables 134 or the like. Support brackets 136 may be interconnected to a main track 138 at separate intervals. The L-shaped clamps 124 may be interconnected to the main track 138 through a number of conventional securing means such as bolt-nut combinations, connecting screws and the like. As previously stated, a rail system having rails 118 is described in more detail in the United States of America Provisional Patent Application Serial Number Serial Number 60/408, 149, entitled "Rail System" and filed on September 4, 2002. Figure 4 also illustrates the transverse structures 126 interconnected to the other components through the use of clamps 140. Figure 4 further illustrates the placement of the members 142 in a separate and parallel configuration along the protection elements 116. Mounted below the members 142 are the LED lighting modules 144, which are mounted in a conventional manner on the underside of the members 142. Surrounding the lighting modules 144 is a series of "cavities of light "146, which may have several degrees of translucency. If these light cavities 146 and other embodiments as set forth in subsequent paragraphs of the present provide modifications to the intensity of light and varying degrees of translucency and diffusion with respect to the LED lighting modules. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 3. That is, Figure 5 illustrates the use of suspension cables 130. The suspension cables 130 hang downwards and are received within openings in the transverse clamp 140 and in an L-shaped clamp 148. An end cap 150 is used to secure the suspension cable 130 to the clamps 140, 148. Figure 6 is a perspective view (viewed from below) of one of the elongated LED members 142 that can be employed with the protection elements 116. As illustrated in Figure 6, the member 142 is elongated in length and will extend laterally through the protection elements 116. Mounted to the lower portion of the LED member 142 is an LED lighting module 144. The linear LED lighting module 144 is also elongated in length and is secured by any of a number of securing means. conventional modules (such as adhesives, connecting screws or the like) to the underside of the member 142. The linear LED lighting module 144 is positioned so that it extends longitudinally along the length of the member 142. The linear LED lighting module 144 includes a series of LEDs 152 spaced along the length of the linear LED lighting module 144. Fig. 7 is an illustration similar to Fig. 6, although it illustrates the use of two linear LED lighting modules 144. Correspondingly Figure 8 is similar to Figures 6 and 7, although it illustrates the use of three linear LED lighting modules 144 along the length of member 142. Figure 9 is an elevation view of the underside of member 142 and three linear LED lighting modules 144 as illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an illustration of a linear LED lighting module 144, separated from any member 142. FIG. 10 illustrates that the LED lighting module 144 may be of flexible construction and may be constructed of any of a number of suitable materials. Likewise, although not expressly shown in the drawings, low voltage DC power can be applied to the LEDs 152 of the LED lighting module through cables or other embedded conductors within the length of the linear LED lighting module 144. Figure 11 is substantially similar in scope to Figure 4 That is, Figure 11 illustrates a rail 118 having cable trays 132 that carry communication cables 134. Figure 11 also illustrates the use of support bar 121, which is interconnected to main track 138. Clamps support 136 are used to interconnect sections of main track 138.

In addition, Figure 11, like Figure 4, illustrates the use of an L-shaped clamp 124 and transverse clamp 140 for interconnecting the protection elements 116 to the rail 118. However, unlike Figure 4, the The configuration illustrated in Figure 11 also includes an energy transformer 160 which can be connected to electrical components in any suitable form which are associated with the rail 118 or otherwise configured around the rail 118 and the protection elements 116. The power transformer 160 can be used to supply low voltage DC power through the power cable 162 to the linear LED lighting modules 144. Figure 11 illustrates the use of busbars 164 for supplying low voltage DC power to the linear LED lighting modules 144 and LED's 152. However, it may be preferable to use a series of cables and conductors (not shown expressly in figure 11) for the purpose of providing electrical power to each of the linear LED lighting modules. The interconnection between the power cable 162 and the busbars 164 or appropriate cabling can be done in any conventional manner. Correspondingly, the electrical interconnection between the busbars 164 or cabling and the LEDs 152 of the linear LED lighting modules 144 can also be done in a conventional manner. Figure 11A shows in more detail with respect to the configuration of Figure 11, and comprises an end sectional view of certain components of Figure 11, taken along the section lines 11A-11A of Figure 11. it was previously established, the ceiling systems according to the invention can use LEDs and other lighting elements, together with selectable materials that will surround the lighting elements in order to provide varying degrees of translucency. The selectable materials can be digitally cut for training purposes. The selectable materials can also be used to modify the intensity and diffusion of the light projected from the LED or other lighting elements. Figures 12-30 illustrate various configurations according to the invention. Returning to these drawings, figures 12 and 13 illustrate a roof configuration 200. The roof configuration 200 can be characterized using light diffusion cloth fins, with light cavities. More specifically, the configuration 200 includes a series of members 142, each having a linear LED lighting module 144 secured to the underside thereof. Each of the linear LED lighting modules 144 includes a series of separate LED lights 152. Suspended in any appropriate manner from the members 142 is a series of light cavities 210. The light cavities 210 serve to provide light diffusion and a particular level of translucency. According to one aspect of the invention, the light cavities 210 may comprise light scattering heliophon fabric. Said fabric is commercially available.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a second roof configuration 220. In this particular configuration, the light diffusing cloth fins are used again. However, in this case, the fins are in the form of a single light sheet 230 which can be "wrapped" around the light members 142. The ends of the light sheets 230 can be secured together through which wants suitable means. In this case, the light sheets 230 may also comprise helium-diffusing light fabric. Again, said fabric is commercially available. However, in addition to the fabric dimensions that can be adapted through the use of digital cutting by the end user. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate another alternative embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention, identified as roof configuration 240. In this particular configuration, the roofs are used which are in the form of rigid fins 250. The fins 250 can be secured in an appropriate manner to the lower portions of the LED members 142. In this case , the rigid fins 250 form, as illustrated in Figure 17, what would be characterized as "deep triangles". In this particular instance, the rigid fins 250 according to the invention can be composed of a translucent Lexan® material. Figures 18 and 19 illustrate an additional roof embodiment comprising the roof configuration 260. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the configuration 260 includes a pair of relatively large rigid vanes 270, which essentially form a rectangular configuration. Intermediate to the two rigid fins 270 associated with each member 142 is a rigid fin 290 of intermediate length, and a rigid fin 280 of relatively shorter length. The fins 280 and 290 separate a series of three linear LED lighting modules 144 from each other. Again, the rigid fins 270, 280 and 290 may consist of a translucent Lexan® material. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate another embodiment of a roof configuration, identified as ceiling configuration 300. In this particular case, a series of rigid vanes 310 form a rectangular configuration around linear LED lighting modules 144. However, unlike of other roof arrangements described herein, the mode 300 is configured so that each linear LED lighting module 144 is rotated on its side, with the LED strips 152 having different directional configuration. In this case, the roof configuration 300 includes the rigid fins 310 in a rectangular configuration, with the fins 310 which are also constructed from a translucent Lexan® material. Figures 22, 23 and 23A illustrate an additional roof configuration 320, which can be used according to the invention. As illustrated in these drawings, the roof configuration 320 includes a series of parallel and spaced linear air tubes 330. The linear air tubes 330 are mounted so that a series of members 142 and LED lighting modules 144 are separated. intermediate to the linear air tubes 330. Although not expressly shown in the drawings, the LED members 142 may be mounted in any means appropriate to the structure 126. For purposes of providing the linear air tubes 330, they may be used polyethylene air tubes. Said air tubes are commercially available. With respect to each of the roof arrangements described herein, it should be emphasized that the specific embodiments do not show details that relate to the power supply of the linear LED lighting modules. However, energy can be supplied to the lighting modules as described with respect to the previous drawings herein. In addition, a number of different arrangements for providing power to linear LED lighting modules can be used. Figures 24, 25 and 25A illustrate an additional roof configuration 340. The configuration 340 is somewhat similar to that illustrated in Figure 22, in that the configuration 340 uses linear air tubes 350 for the purpose of providing the roofs. However, unlike Figure 22, the ceiling mode 340 also uses what is referred to as round LED lighting modules 360. These lighting modules 360 have a structural configuration as illustrated primarily in Figures 25 and 25A. Again, the linear air tubes 350 can be constructed of polyethylene air tubes.

Figures 26, 27 and 27A illustrate a further embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention, identified as ceiling configuration 400. In this particular instance, the roof configuration 400 employs LED lighting modules round markers 360, which correspond to the LED lighting modules 360 round markers described above with respect to Figures 24, 25 and 25A. However, unlike the roof mode 340 illustrated in Fig. 24, the roof mode 400 employs roofs that can be characterized as air bearings 410. The round LED lighting modules 360 and the air bearings 410 are commercially available. available. Preferably, the air bearings 410 can be constructed of a polyethylene material. The air bearings 410 and the LED lighting modules round markers 360 provide different translucency and light diffusion. Figures 28, 29 and 30 illustrate a further embodiment of a roof configuration according to the invention. More specifically, Figures 28, 29 and 30 illustrate a roof configuration 450 using a series of woven fabric materials 460. Those woven fabric materials 460 may be any of a number of different fabrics, and may be suspended in a way to provide a "wave" pattern as illustrated in Figures 28 and 29. Furthermore, for aesthetic purposes, forced air may be circulated around the fabrics 460, and they may be suspended from another hanged way to generate "impulse" curvatures as a result of air flow. Placed on the fabrics 460 is the member 142 having any of a number of different types of LED lighting modules 470 associated therewith. For example, the LED lighting modules 470 could be in the form of linear LED lighting modules, or, alternatively, LED lighting modules round markers, each as previously described herein. Figures 31 and 32 illustrate the concept that ceiling configurations do not necessarily have to be located in horizontal planes. Figures 31 and 32 each show a horizontal plane A for orientation purposes. Each of these drawings also shows a series of protection elements 116 (which may incorporate any of the embodiments described hereinabove), suspended from the suspension cables 130. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the elements of Protection 116 may be of a varied angular orientation, with the protection elements interconnected through flexible or articulated structures 500. As previously referred to herein, the roof configurations may be provided with means to facilitate the control and reconfiguration of controlled relationships between various functional components that can be used with the ceiling configuration. For purposes of describing the concept of establishing control relationships between different controlled and control components that may be associated with the ceiling configurations, reference is made to the United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number Serial Number 60 / 374,012 entitled "Switching / Lighting System" and filed on April 19, 2002. The contents of the above-described patent application are incorporated herein by reference. With respect to the ceiling configurations described herein, most of those configurations refer to LED lighting elements. That is, ceiling configurations can be categorized as being available in a "non-illuminated" format and an "illuminated" format. As previously described herein, many other types of lighting elements can be used, such as fluorescent elements, metal halide and the like. In addition, many other types of acoustic control or absorption concepts can be employed with roof systems according to the invention. In addition, with respect to safety and protection, the protection elements may be constructed of fire-resistant or fire-proof materials. In addition, the LED lighting elements and other lighting elements that can be used according to the invention can comprise several colors. In addition, the colors of the lighting elements can be controlled physically and / or electrically. In this regard, it would be favorable to establish control relationships between switches and lights, and have the ability to reconfigure them. Other control relationships are also helpful. For example, Figures 33 and 33A illustrate a roof configuration 520 utilizing light cavity elements 530 similar to those previously described herein. As also shown in Figure 33, the linear LED lighting modules 144 may be coupled to an energy cable 530 which, in turn, is coupled to a switch position 530. As with other ceiling configurations described hereinabove, the roof configuration 520 may employ other types of lighting elements such as fluorescent, metal halide elements and the like. The switch position 530 includes a dimmer configuration 550, which has an activation switch 552 and attenuator control 554. With respect to this configuration, FIGURE 34 illustrates a user employing a control rod 560 (to be described in FIG. subsequent paragraphs of the present) for purposes of establishing control of the linear LED lighting modules 144 associated with the roof configuration 520. In this case, the control rod 560 may be pointing towards an IR receiver (not shown) to execute certain control functions. Figure 35 illustrates the user by projecting the control rod 560 into the attenuator 550 configuration. The attenuator configuration 550 may have an IR receiver, for purposes of receiving the IR 562 signals from the control rod 560. In this case, and as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 374,012, entitled "Switching / uging Correlation System", and filed on April 19, 2002, the user may be using the dipstick. control 560 to establish that attenuator configuration 550 will be controlling linear LED lighting modules 144 of roof configuration 520. In addition, control rod 560 may be used to reconfigure various protection elements. With respect to the concepts associated with the control, it is also possible to use roof systems according to the invention with systems employing vertically placed space dividers and the like. An example of such a system is disclosed in United States of America Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60 / 408,011, entitled "Partition System with Technology" and filed on September 4, 2002. An example of the control rod 560 is illustrated in Figures 36, 37 and 38. With reference thereto, the control rod can be of an elongated configuration. At one end of the control rod 560 is a light source 570 which, preferably, would generate a substantially collimated beam of light. In addition to the light source 570, the control rod 560 may also include an infrared (IR) emitter 580, for transmitting infrared transmission signals to corresponding IR receivers associated with the ceiling configuration 520 and the attenuator 550 configuration, in addition to other elements that can be used with other functional accessories.

The control rod 560 may include a trigger 590, for purposes of initiating the transmission of IR signals. In addition, the rod 560 may include mode selection switches, such as the mode selection switch 600 and the mode selection switch 602. Those mode selection switches 600, 602 may be used to allow manual selection of commands which can be generated using the rod 560. The control rod 560 can also use controllers (not shown) or similar computerized devices, in order to provide electronic components within the rod 560 for use with the 590 trigger, the mode selection 600, 602, the light source 570 and the IR emitter 580. As mentioned previously, an example of use of said rod, with the control commands that can be generated using it, is described in the Application United States Provisional Patent of Common Session of Serial Number 60 / 374,012, entitled "Switching / Lighting Correlation Syst em "and filed on April 19, 2002. Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the user can use the rod 560 to transmit signals to a controller (not shown) associated with the attenuator 550 configuration and the roof configuration 520 The ability of controlled "programming" relationships essentially between the different accessories associated with the ceiling configurations requires a capability to transmit and receive communication signals between the different functional accessories. In this regard, infrastructure systems can be used. An example of such an infrastructure system that can be copied with the roof configurations according to the invention is described in detail in the United States of America Provisional Patent Application Serial Number Serial Number 60 / 408,149, entitled " Rail System "and presented on September 4, 2002. It will be evident to those with experience in the pertinent techniques that other embodiments of the roof systems in accordance with the invention can be designed. That is, the principles of a roof system are not limited to the specific modalities described herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the illustrative embodiments described above of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

Claims (51)

1. CLAIMS. 1. A roof system for use with a support infrastructure, the support infrastructure providing the distribution of electrical energy and comprising a plurality of structures, the roof system comprising: a plurality of protection elements supported within the plurality of structures; a series of lighting elements electrically coupled and powered through the distribution of electrical energy, the lighting elements adjacent to or otherwise incorporated within the protection elements; and the protection elements that are movably mounted to the roof structure, and constructed of materials having varying degrees of translucency, to adjust the intensity and diffusion of the illumination projected from the lighting elements. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the roof system and the supporting infrastructure are suspended from a building roof or similar upper structure through the use of cable elements. A roof system according to claim 2, characterized in that the cable elements can be adjusted to adjust the height of the roof system, in relation to the height of the building roof or similar upper structure. 4. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the materials are constructed and configured to allow commercial indoor general services to extend down a plane formed substantially by a plurality of protection elements. 5. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the materials are constructed and configured to have sufficient porosity in order to allow the general commercial interior fire safety services that are placed on a plane formed substantially by the plurality of protective elements. 6. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the series of lighting elements and the plurality of protection elements are manually removable from the supporting infrastructure. 7. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the series of lighting elements comprises a series of LED lighting module strips. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting infrastructure comprises parallel and spaced rails, and the protection elements are supported on sides of adjacent rails in pairs of opposite L-shaped clamps. 9. A roof system according to claim 8, characterized in that the protection elements are releasably secured to the L-shaped clamps by securing means. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the roof elements comprise acoustic roof protection elements having materials to provide sound absorption. A ceiling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise acoustic ceiling protection elements having materials to provide sound reflection. 12. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the roof elements comprise cellular structures filled with air. 13. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise fabric 3D-Pongi 14. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise rigid fins. 15. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise fins of heliophon fabric. 16. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements are supported on opposite lateral parts thr the use of the structures of the supporting infrastructure, with said structures constructed of extruded aluminum. 17. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements are supported from upper roof supports thr the use of suspension cables interconnected directly to the protection elements. 18. A roof system according to claim 17, characterized in that the suspension cables are adjustable in length. 19. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the cross structures are interconnected to other components of the roof system thr the use of clamps; a plurality of members are arranged in a separate and parallel configuration along the protection elements; and the lighting elements comprise LED lighting modules mounted on lower sides of said members. 20. A roof system according to claim 19, characterized in that the protection elements comprise a series of light cavities having varying degrees of translucency. 21. A ceiling system according to claim 20, characterized in that the light cavities provide modifications to the light intensity and varying degrees of translucency and diffusion with respect to the LED lighting modules. 22. A roof system according to claim 20, characterized in that: each of the members is elongated in length and extends laterally through at least one of the protection elements; each of the LED lighting modules is of linear configuration, and is mounted to a lower side of a corresponding one of said members; and each of the LED lighting modules includes a series of LEDs spaced along a length of a corresponding one of the linear LED lighting modules. 23. A roof system according to claim 20, characterized in that a plurality of LED lighting modules is coupled to at least one of the members. 24. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting elements comprise flexible linear LED lighting modules under construction and to which low-voltage DC power is applied from the electrical power distribution of the supporting infrastructure. 25. A roof system in accordance with the claim 24, characterized in that the system further comprises energy transformers interconnected to the distribution of electrical energy and to the lighting elements for supplying low-voltage DC energy to the lighting elements. 26. A roof system in accordance with the claim 25, characterized in that the system further comprises at least one busbar for supplying low voltage DC power to the lighting elements. 27. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise light diffusing fabric flaps and light cavities. 28. A roof system in accordance with the claim 27, characterized in that: the lighting elements comprise a series of LED members, each having a linear LED lighting module secured to a lower side thereof; each of the linear LED lighting modules comprises a series of separate LED lights; and suspended from said members is a series of light cavities. 29. A roof system in accordance with the claim 28, characterized in that the light cavities comprise light diffusing heliophone fabric. 30. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise light diffusing cloth fins. 31. A roof system according to claim 29, characterized in that the light diffusing fabric fins are in the form of a single light sheet. 32. A roof system according to claim 31, characterized in that the light sheets comprise light diffusing heliophone fabric. 33. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise rigid fins having a "deep triangle" configuration. 34. A roof system according to claim 33, characterized in that the rigid fins are constructed of a translucent Lexan® material. 35. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements comprise: a pair of relatively large rigid fins, which essentially form a rectangular configuration; a rigid fin of relatively intermediate length, placed intermediate to the pair of relatively large rigid fins; a rigid fin of relatively shorter length, positioned intermediate to the pair of relatively large rigid fins; and the relatively large rigid fins and the rigid fins of relatively intermediate and shorter length separate a series of linear LED lighting modules from one another. 36. A roof system according to claim 35, characterized in that the relatively large rigid fins and the rigid fins of relatively intermediate and shorter lengths are constructed of a translucent Lexan® material. 37. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the protection elements comprise a series of rigid fins forming a rectangular configuration around individual linear LED lighting modules; and the linear LED lighting modules are rotated on their sides, so that individual LED strips have different directional configurations. 38. A roof system according to claim 37, characterized in that the rigid fins are constructed of a translucent Lexan® material. 39. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the protection elements comprise a series of parallel and separate linear air tubes; and the lighting elements comprise separate linear LED lighting modules intermediate to the linear air tubes. 40. A roof system according to claim 39, characterized in that the linear air tubes comprise polyethylene air tubes. 41. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the protection elements comprise a series of parallel and separate linear air tubes; and the lighting elements comprise a series of LED lighting modules round markers positioned adjacent to the linear air tubes. 42. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the protection elements comprise a series of air bearings; and the lighting elements comprise a series of LED lighting modules round markers positioned adjacent to the air bearings. 43. A roof system according to claim 42, characterized in that the air bearings are constructed of a polyethylene material. 44. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the protection elements comprise a series of woven fabric materials, suspended from the supporting infrastructure in a manner to provide a "wave" pattern; and the lighting elements comprise a series of LED lighting modules positioned on the woven fabric materials. 45. A roof system according to claim 44, characterized in that the system further comprises means for circulating the forced air around the fabric materials and the woven fabric materials are coupled to the supporting infrastructure in a manner that allows the generation of "impulse" curvatures of the woven fabric materials in response to the forced air circulated. 46. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the protection elements can be coupled to the supporting infrastructure through flexible or articulated means, so that the protection elements can be suspended in various angular orientations. 47. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the roof system comprises means for effecting the color control of the series of lighting elements. 48. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the system further comprises a set of utilitarian elements associated with the roofs; and at least some utilitarian elements are manually releasable from the protection elements. 49. A ceiling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises means for modifying lighting characteristics based on time of day. 50. A roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises means for modifying lighting characteristics based on the changes of season. 51. A ceiling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises means for modifying illumination according to physical and mental health characteristics for color and intensity of illumination.